Camogli

Camogli

Camogli, Liguria

Camogli  is situated in the north-west Italian region of Liguria, between Genoa and Portofino. It is a fishing settlement rather than a beach resort. Camogli  is only a short drive from Pisa. I arrived here by car with a friend of mine, and I definitely was able to relate to the ‘hidden’ part. I parked at the top of the town and explored on foot. There is limited access to vehicles in the town itself.

As I  descended from the car park towards the town Camogli was really  pleasant ,  the seafront area was lovely. I fall in love with  the harbour and the seafront, attractively surrounded by tall pastel-painted  houses . There were lots of cafes and shops all around that diverted my attention!

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The  history of Camogli

The origins of Camogli  date back to the prehistory. Around the year one thousand, when the village was property of Milan Diocese, the town started to be known as a maritime hamlet, keeping this characteristic over the centuries, under the dominion of the Republic of Genoa”.

Napoleon in Camogli

In 1797 Camogli  was included by Napoleon Bonaparte in the Tigullio Gulf Department, with Rapallo as county town. After theBattle of Abukir”, where the French fleet was totally destroyed, the Camogli  ship owners began to pour money into new merchant ships, receiving many requests by the main European governments.

In 1856 the Camogli fleet counted on about 580 ships which were all booked in the local “Mutual Maritime Insurance”. In that period this company was the only one of that kind in Europe and Camogli one of the most powerful marine cities.  At the end of 19th century, with the rising of steamboat sailing, Camogli main activities turned into fishing and tourism.

Camogli a gem of Liguria

Camogli is a fishing village that’s located on the west side of the Portofino peninsula. Although somewhat off the beaten path, It  is also a coastal tourist resort packed with rocky beaches and restaurants.

First of all, you should visit Camogli if you want a quieter and more laidback Italian Riviera experience.

Camogli is a a true hidden gem of Liguria.  The little coloured houses face the sea and the sun shines on them. I enjoyed  its picturesque setting. It was simply stunning. I was amazed by the blue colour of the sea, the seafront is essentially divided into two parts: the eastern section with a beach and promenade, and the western part with a harbour. The beach is of stone and pebble rather than sand, and very popular in summer.

What to see in Camogli

From the beach area where you arrive you can stroll along the seafront promenade as far as the small Dragonara Castle”. It  dates from the 15th century and now holds occasional exhibitions.

Also on this headland is the other important historical monument in the town, the Basilica Santa Maria”, which also overlooks the harbour. Originally dating from the 12th century, the basilica has been substantially modified over the centuries . Now has an interior in the baroque style and a neo-classical facade.

Other things to see :

  • “The Church of San Rocco”: is a lovely place of worship that’s perched high into the cliffs. Plenty of people say Camogli to “San Rocco” is an easy hike, but, uh, there are a lot of steps!
  • Relax in the sun on the rocky beach: The beaches are obviously a major attraction in this part of Italy. Pack your swimsuit and towel if you’re planning on coming to the beach. Keep in mind July and August brings incredibly hot weather

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My lunch at “La Piazzetta” 

The best part of the day was my lunch at “La Piazzetta” offering a  unique views of coastline. You’ll find the most regional specialties here cooked to a very high standard including trofie al pesto, lasagna al forno con pesto, fresh calamari and many dishes involving anchovies.

“Pigato”, the Vermentino of Liguria

I had a grilled fish with potatoes and the best White Wine in Liguria the so called “Pigato”. It’s one of Liguria’s most important grapes. Its wine is part of the denomination Riviera Ligure di Ponente”, a DOC from western Liguria and the region’s biggest.

This is one name you’ll want to keep an eye on when perusing the wine menu, if you’re lucky enough to find it. “Pigato” wines of Riviera Ligure di Ponente” are, in their best form, aromatically complex, mineral, long-lived, and with a saline touch that comes from the nearby coastline.

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A presto Camogli!

All in all, Camogli, Italy is worth the visit. Here below an useful link about what to do  in Camogli for the would-be traveller:

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